SALINAS VALLEY — It has been an especially busy start to the New Year at Salinas Valley Health, with four baby deliveries by early morning, including the first baby born in Monterey County in 2025.
Salinas couple Yvette Ochoa-Alderete and Jeremy Arcega were all set for an expected delivery date on Christmas Day, but their son Xayden decided to make his grand entrance on another holiday instead, making him the first baby in Monterey County born on New Year’s Day 2025.
Xayden arrived at 47 minutes after midnight, weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces.
“We thought we were going to have a Christmas baby and instead rang in the New Year with more excitement than we expected and in a very memorable way,” said new mother Ochoa-Alderete. “Everyone here has been amazing, and as a first-time mom, it has been a wonderful experience. A 10 out of 10. Having Xayden is an incredible start to 2025.”
Little Xayden was not alone in his big plans for the New Year. Three other mothers also gave birth at Salinas Valley Health, all before many people were even getting out of bed. The three newborns that followed clocked in with delivery times of 1:06, 2:28 and 6:34 a.m.
Unlike Xayden who came late, second baby Kaylee Avalos-Ackerman arrived early to the surprise of her parents. Kaylee wasn’t due until Jan. 8, so mom and dad were gathered for a New Year’s Eve celebration with family when mom’s water broke.
Laura Avalos-Ackerman and Mark Avalos-Lopez were equally excited to usher in the New Year with their 6-pound, 15-ounce bundle of joy. They too were born at Salinas Valley Health.
“Kaylee’s brother and sister were also born here,” said Avalos-Ackerman, Kaylee’s mom. “We wouldn’t think of going anywhere else. Kaylee’s grandmother was born here as well, so we have three generations with ties to the hospital. With the New Year’s Day excitement, this birthday feels extra special.”
Ruthie Andrews, MSN, RN has worked at Salinas Valley Health for 38 years. She said, “Ringing in the New Year with these families is filled with such joy and gives us hope for many more blessings in the year ahead. It’s an honor to share this extraordinary occasion with them.”
In 2024, Salinas Valley Health helped welcome and care for 1,406 newborns. In addition to its 5-star CMS rating, last month U.S. News and World Report named the Medical Center as a 2025 Best Hospital for Maternity Care.
